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ilL^^iiL«.k

CLASSICS FOR CANADIAN CHILDREN.

, <

No. II.

STORIES

FROM

ENGLISH HISTORY.

PRICE 10 CENTS.

A. & VV. MACKINLAY,

HALIFAX, N. S.

1901,

Entered for Copyriuht in the OJice of the Minister

of Agriculture, according to Act of Parliament of

Canada, by A. fie \V. JUckinlav, 1900.

STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

ALFRED THE GREAT,

Alfred the Great was a young man, two-and-
twenty years of age, when he became king. This
great king, in the first year of his reign, fought
nine battles with the Danes. He made some
treaties with them too, by which the false Danes
swore that fV ^y would quit the country. They
pretended to consider that they had taken a very
solemn oath, in swearing this upon the holy
bracelets that they wore, and which were always
buried with them when they died ; but they cared
little for it, for they thought nothing of breaking
oaths and treaties too, as soon as it suited their
purpose, and coming back to fight, plunder and
burn, as usual. One fatal winter, in the fourth
year of King Alfred's reign, they spread themselves
in great numbers over the whole of England ; and
so dispersed and routed the King's soldiers that
the King was left alone, and was obliged to
disguise himself as a common peasant, and to take
retuge in the cottage of one of his cowherds who
did not know his face.

Here, King Alfred, while the Danes sought
him far and wide was left alone one day, by the
cowherd's wife, to watch some cakes which she

4 STOR„,s K..OM KN«U.S„ ,„„„«v.

put to bake upon tlic hearth H,„ h •
upon UH bow a„U a.ows !ith ILhZV 1''
pun.sh the false Danes when J ^ ''"' '°
should come anrf „ ^ , . ''^"'" « ''nfthter time

unhappy s"bi'e=^ whl'""'"! ''"P'>' "' "'^ Poor
the S. h.^ nobre ^nd f " ^"'' "'™"«"
they were burnt! ■ What T'- ,"? """' ^"'^
wife, who scolded him n ,'*"'""= cwherd's
and little thought she" '" '"^ ^"'"^ '»^'''

"you will be ;?'; enouJh'L"""!;'"^ "" ''"'*^'

an'^yetyoucanno^rifrhr^X'T""-^^'

agafnlt a^w h:t: 0^^'"' "">" "'^'^ "^--^
coast ; killedthe cLeta":d "''° ''"""" °" ""='^
on whieh was represtttd^e EL^^!':;''^^-

'^anes .reatly.tr tt tLt'edlt br"^ '''
-woven by the three daughters of nn/T^""'"''
smgle afternoon-and thfy had ^ , '" '^

themselves tlia> when fh„ ^'"'^ ^"'""S

the Raven stretc dh^^;^^ -'"--n battle^

and that, when they were deffldt ''"""' '° "^ '
He had good r,-ason ,n H ' ''^ '^°"''' ''~°P-

have done anyfh n^ h.If °°'' "°"' '' "^ =°"'<i
Alfred joined th of.otL" nTe"'"' 'J"' '''"^
with them on a piece of fi ' "^''^ ^ <=*"'?

STORIES FROM KN'tJLISir HISTORY. 5

«:reat attempt for vcn^'eanceon the Danes, and the
deliverance of his oppressed people.

But, first, as i* was important to know how
numerous those pestilent Danes were, and how
they were fortified, Kinnr Alfred, bcin^ a f^ood
musician, disguised himself as a gleeman or
ministrel, and went, with his harp, to the Danish
Camp. He played and sang in the very tent of
Guthrum the Danish leader, and entertained the
Danes as they caroused. While he seemed to
think of nothing but his music, he was watchful of
their tents, their arms, their discipline, everything
that he desired to know. And right soon did this
great King entertain them to a different tune, for,
summoning all his true followers to meet him at an
appointed place, where they received him with
joyful shouts and tears, as the monarch whom
many of them had given up for lost or dead, he
t himself at their head, marched on the Danish
Lai.ip, defeated the Danes with great slaughter and
besieged them for fourteen days to prevent their
escape. But, being as merciful as he was good
and brave, he then, instead of killing them, pro-
posed peace, on condition that they should alto-
gether depart from that part of England, and settle
in the Kast ; and that Guthrum should become a
Christian, in remembrance of the Divine religion
which now taught his conquercr, the noble Alfred,

6 STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

™/g1"" "":-7 T '^^ ^° °f"=" injured him.
This Guthrum did. At his baptism King Alfred

was h,s godfather, and Guthrum was an hcfo^able

chief who well deserved that clemency ; for ever

afterwards he was loyal and faithful to'^;he K^ng

The Danes under him were faithful, ,00. They

plundered and burned no more, but worked like

hones men They ploughed and sowed and

aZ1\T' !r\r'' '■°"^" E"S"^h lives
And I hope the children of those Danes played
many a tmie with Saxon children in the sunn;
fiJds, and that Danish young men fell in love
*uh Saxon g.rls, and married them, and that
Hnghsh travellers, benighted at the doors of
Danish cottages, often went in for shelter until
morning ; and that Danes and Saxons sat by the
red fire, friends, talking of King Alfred the Great.
All the Danes were not like those under
Guthrum ,• for, after some years, more of them
came over, in the old plundering and burning way
-among them a fierce pirate of the name of
Hastmgs, who had the boldness ,0 sail up the

2::z:: ?r '''"'■ -■«' e%h.y ship. %o

m ee year,, there was a war with these Danes •
plague, both upon human creatures and beasts
h.m, built Urge .liips nevertheless, with which to

STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY. 7

pursue the pirates on the sea, and he encouraged
his soldiers, by his brave example, to fight
vah'antly against them on the shore. At last, he
drove them all away ; then there was repose in
England.

As great and good in peace, as he was great
and good in war, King Alfred never rested from
his labours to improve his people. He loved to
talk with clever men, and with travellers from
foreign countries, and write down what they told
him, for his people to read. He had studied Latin
after learning to read English, and now another
of his labours was to translate Latin books into
the English-Saxon tongue, that his people might
be interested, and improved by their contents. He
made just laws, that they might live more happily
and freely ; he turned away all partial judges that
no wrong might be done them ; he was so careful
of their property, and punished robbers so severely,
that it was a common thing to say that under the
great King Alfred, garlands of golden chains and
jewels might have hung across the street, and no
man would have touched one. He founded
schools, he patiently heard causes himself in his
Court of Justice ; the great desires of his heart
were, to do right to all his subjects, and to leave
England better, wiser and happier in all ways
than he found it. His industry in these efforts

:.-; ^^^li^V; ■•V'-rf ■ '.:r,-.-s.;

° STORIES FROM ir«o.

"ROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

was quite astonishing. Everv ,1, u ..
certain portions, and in ealh ^ ' '''^"'*'' '"*°
-'f'o a certain purs^t ^ThThT ''^T"™"
his time exactly he h,rl ""^'" '"^'de

™ade. Which weLt, he sT":"'" " ^^"'''-
across at regular distances and '''' "T' "°"'^''^
burning. Thus as IT' J "^ ^'«'^>'S kept

divided^the da; i^to „ ,er >" '""' '°^"' "'
as we do now divide H^tfL '' ^" accurately

But, when the candle were «"? "''°" '*" '='°*'
found that the wind and H T ■"^'"'"''' " "-as
■•"'o 'he palace thrtu" hTt" °' t' "'""'"^
-d through the chinkf in^^e :"ns" "'."''°'^''-
o gutter and burn unequallv T ' "^""^ "'^'"
King had them put into <^ ^ r ^''^'"' '^''- ">«
-hite horn. A n'd i^es:rerrth T'","' ""«' -'^
niade in England. ^^ ^'^^ '«"'«™s ever

unwi'';:i,w\;:r:a'"''TK"'''' ^ '-"•"«

f-quentpain that no^hi'/'Td r "°'^"' -"
"' as he had borne all the ^ t '"'''"• "« bore
- brave, good man "ntit h™""'^^ "' >"•' '"e, like
old; and then having re'nttr '^^'^""^^e years
He died in the year n^rh '^'7^^^^^' ^edied.
'°"S ago as tha^ is ";/.'"'"'' ^cd and one ; but,

g-'itude with whic^ Z Z"' '"' "^ '°^« -"d
-e freshly remembe d to thetf T^"^" ''""'
Under the great Alf i .'^ ^^"' ''°"'--

'^eE„g,i3h.SaforchS;t:1rs:"'"-"^<'^

were hrst encouraged

STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY. 9

and in him first shown. It has been the greatest
character among the nations of the earth. Wher-
ever the descendants of the Saxon race have gone,
have sailed, or otherwise made their way, even to
the remotest regions of the world, they have been
patient, persevering, never to be broken in spirit,
never to be turned aside from enterprises on which
they have resolved. In Europe, Asia, Africa,
America, the whole world over ; in the desert, in
the forest, on the sea ; scorched by a burning sun,
or frozen by ice that never melts ; the Saxon blood
remains unchanged. Wheresoever that race goes,
there law and industry and safety for life and pro-
perty, and all the great results of stead> persever-
ance, are certain to arise.

I pause to think with admiration of the noble
king who, in his single person, possessed all the
Saxon virtues. Whom misfortune could not sub-
due, whom prosperity could not spoil, whose
perseverance nothing could shake. Who was
hopeful in defeat and generous in success. Who
loved justice, freedom, truth and knowledge.
Who, in his care to instruct his people, probably
did more to preserve the beautiful old Saxon
language, than I can imagine. Without whom,
the English tongue in which I tell this story, might
have wanted half its meaning. As it is said that
his spirit still inspires some of our best English
laws ; so let you and me pray that it may animate

'° "°''"=^ ^«°« -NOUSH „,srORV.

°"/ English hearts, at least to this ,„ ,

when we see any of o„r f„M ""'—"' resolve,

■•ff"orance,.hatwewmdo/ 7"^^'^'"™" '«f' '"
"=. to have themteu'hf .'-'"'''■'" "''^'■^'■"
«hose duty i Ts to tT ' t"'' '° "^" "-"^^ ^"'ers

'heirUut/tL^r/hTv ;i^"'' r "^^'-
the years that have roltd aw/ ""^ '""" "^ ^"
hundred and one • and ,h TT ""'" "'^ ^'^^'^ "'"e
bH.ht e.an,p,e :/ ,-^'^^0^ t'!^'"-"'' '"e

Charles Dickexs.

NoTK -.^ Stat r r. " ^'^''"'' ^''"^ "-^ ^«^/««^."

-t Wa,ua,.e. i„ BllUle^^'^At'";^/?^ ^"-^^^ '^ ''-n erected
following, inscription: " Alfred fo /T °^ "^^ ^^''''"^ ^ ^he
-stored it. EducH,io„ ne^e ed :"d , '■"'"^' '^^^' ^^ '-
J— less, and he .^ave tifen, f^l 't^ Tr^'^ ''■ ''^^ ^-v^
!" --d it. The land ravaged bTa I r 7 "' '*'^^^^' -'^
he dehvered it. Alfreds „al „S l"/ " "'""^ ' '^^"^ -''ich
••espect tl,e past." Oct. .^,11 ' '^■■: '^"8" ''^^ "^'-^"kind shnlJ
versary of Kin^ Alfred's death. ' '^'"' '' '^^ 'f'°"-^^ndth anni-

The Usr Sr.™ op the Ekoush.
coveXtrfie;: mt f '^■■'"■^"'•^ --^-^'^ host,

'he.ra;hon-fot'cr:^' ir.-r::::.^''-'''

-to a„ 3,-des of the entre;:,;™^; "'""' "^""'^
- =■>' h.s heavy a^'ed'frsSre^-a'n'd^

STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

archers, to open the way through the palisades,
the sorties from which had now been carefully
closed.

As they came up the hills, Harold turned to
Haco and said: "Where is thy battle-axe?"
"Harold," answered Haco, with more than his
usual tone of sombre sadness, " I desire now to be
thy shield bearer, for thou must use thine axe with
both hands while the day lasts, and thy shield is
useless. Wherefore, thou strike, and I will shield
thee."

" Thou lovest me, then, son of S\ve_^ n ; I have
sometimes doubted it."

" I love thee as the best part of my life, and
with thy life ceases mine ; it is my heart that my
shield guards when it covers the breast of Harold."

" I would bid thee live, poor youth," whispered
Harold : "but what were life if this day were lost ?
Happy, then, will those be who die."

Scarce had the words left his lips ere he sprang-
to the breast-works, and with a sudden sweep of
his axe, down dropped a helm that peered above
them. But helm after helm succeeds. Now they
come on, swarm upon swarm, as wolves on a
traveller, as bears round a bark. Countless,
amidst their carnage, on they come ! The arrows
of the Normans blacken the air ; with deadly pre-
cision, to each arm, each limb, each front exposed

above the bulwarks-,vhirrs fh» u .
clamber the palisades th 7 ^^^^'- They

<he Saxon axe nt i '°^"'°''f^" dead under

•"e n.ght of H; "rt f h"" °" '• ^^'" '^
-•^h. in every SaxonTere ' Tt" / "^^'^'^
breast-worlcs is forced ;! ' ^'^^ ^^ °f

crushed down, cumbered wUh Th"'; ''"'"■
R°«' HaRou! Notre n , '''=^''- " "^
rounds joyous and sMU t^'l ^'°'^' °^™^ ' "
■eap and charge into t 'c cl^^H^rh T' '"'
7 'he great mace of Wm L "'^\"''^«'^ '"

the Duke. .. On Son! r r '"'^ '^"'' ' " cries

and Heaven .'" sh'ou^L '"r""" ' ^'^^'-"•°"

Thefir^K °'"^ "'c vo.ce of Odo.

-. int t; in'mtv f """-'^^ ^^-- 3"»d-
'^-^. intorhe se^ord'e^rr T''- ""''''
and swarm, and fight and '"""= ''"=''•

'second enclosure f.ves wlv ^'h' ™'" """^
centre of the third-1^ T; "" "°'^ '" 'he
Normans, towers pL;; l^^^'; f^^ "^ '"e

"ys of the westenn. sun h . """'" ''" ">«
and bla^tng with ^tj ' ''^'dc-'ed with gold,

England's kZ, /T/'""' ">« «-darf of

-serve of the English ttf;:err,hff"^' '"^
had never yet known defeat rf™"' "'"'
ine battle-vigorous . ^f,- ^^'■'^'' ">«>' by

'ound them thT breast wot '"'" ="" ' ^"^

oreast-works were thicker, and

STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

Stronger, and higher, and fastened by chains to
pillars of wood and staves of iron, with the wag-
ons and carts of the baggage, and piled logs of
timber— barricades at which even William paused
aghast.

Before that standard, in the front of the men,
stood Gurth and Leofwine and Haco and Harold,
the last leaning for rest upon his axe, for he was
sorely wounded in many places and the blood
oozed through the links of his mail.

Live, Harold : live yet, and Saxon England
shall not die !

The English archers had at no time been
numerous ; most of them had served with the
vanguard, and the shafts of those within the ram-
parts were spent ; so that the foe had time to pause
and to breathe. The Norman arrows meanwhile
flew fast and thick, but William noted to his grief
that they struck against the tall breast-works and
barricades, and so failed in the slaughter they
should inflict. He mused a moment, and sent one
of his knights to call to him three of the chiefs of
the archers. They were soon at his side. " See
ye not," said the Duke, "that your shafts and
bolts fall harmless on those osier walls. Shoot in
the air ; let the arrow fall perpendicular on those
within— fall as the vengeance of the saints falls-
direct from heaven I Give me thy bow, archer—

STORIES FROM ENGUSH HISTORY.

thus." He drew ,he bow as he sat on his steed •
the arrow flashed up, and descended in he heart
of the reserve, wi.hin a few feet of the standard

D„l .. ■ f*"^' ''^"""d be your marlc," said the
Uul>e, givinff back the bow.

snatt. On now to the ram parts I L^
already resting on yonder s'tndard - " "" "°""
sun ;"L ''^''""' ^"' "'^ ^"g"=h bear up. The
'■ Corat""? • =*"', "'^-^^ '■'-^'' 'be red hori.or

ti" niSi^ard'^/errvet^"^^' " "^'^ ^^
freedom !" ^'*- ^o^rage and

"Harold and Holy Crosse f" ;c ^t,
Stil. foiled, Wiiiia. r'so™:s to .hazard TJT,
stratagem. He marked that qua ter of L
closure which was most remotr f , ^"'

|J>Ai»V

'iikfi^i'

STORIES FROM ' TGLISH HISTORY.

anon, he recognized amidst the hurtling clamour.
In this quarter the palisades were the weakest, and
the ground the least elevated ; but it was guarded
by men on whose skill with axe and shield Harold
placed the firmest reliance— the Anglo-Danes of
his old East-Anglian earldom.

Thither, then, the Duke advanced a column of
his heavy armed foot, which, after a short, close
and terrible conflict, succeeded in making a wide
breach in the breast-works. But that temporary
success only animates yet more the exertions of
the defenders, and swarming round the breach,
and pouring through it, line after line of the foe
drop beneath their axes. The column of the heavy
armed Normans fall back, down the slopes— they

give way— they turn in disorder— they retreat

they fly ; but the archers stand firm, midway on the
descent — ihose archers seem an easy prey to the
English— the temptation is irresistible. Long
galled, and harassed, and maddened by the shafts,
the Anglo-Danes rush forth at the heels of the
Norman swordsmen, and sweeping down to ex-
terminate the archers, the breach that they leave
gapes wide.

"Forward," cries William, and he gallops
towards the breach.

On rush the Norman knights. But Harold is
already in the breach, rallying round him hearts
eager to replace the shattered breast-works.

■6 STOR.es prom ENCtrsH HISTORY.

over .he breas the shl j"'r'".' "^'° "o"
bom hands h.-s ax:.rspear:^o:f„r„ri

But a blow from the sword of DeLacv ha.
broken down the guardian shield of Hlco^^Thi
son of Sweyn ,s strici<en to his knee.

VV,th lifted blades and swirling maces the
Norman kmghts charge through the breach

Look up, look up, and guard thy head "
ones the fatal voice of Haco to the Kin., ^ '

Whv'h ,?' u-^ ""' '^'"S '^'''' his flashing eyes
Why halts his stride ? Why dron^ tl,» =. 7

hjs ha,,d? As he raised h:s'hea7o!„ c^me ^
h.ss,ng death-shaft. It smote the lifted face 't
crushed into the dauntless eyeball. He reeled 'hi
-ggered, he fell back several yards," the ft o
his gorgeous standard. <= root or

.h ,7"V"P"^'« hand he broke the head of the
woe ! woe !" rescue I

STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

»7

Rallying himself a moment, he sprang to his
feet, clenched his right hand, and fell once more—
a corpse.

At the same moment a rush of horsemen to-
wards the standard bore back a line of Saxons, and
covered the body of the King with heaps of the
slain.

His helmet cloven in two, his face all streaming
with blood, but still calm in its ghastly hues,
amidst the foremost of those slain, fell the fated
Haco. He fell with his head on the breast of
Harold, kissed the bloody check with bloody lips,
groaned and died.

Inspired by despair, with superhuman strength,
Gurth, striding over the corpses of his kinsmen,
opposed himself singly to the knights. Not one
Englishman fled ; all now centring round the
standard, they fell, slaughtering if slaughtered.

Through the crowd, the Normans beheld with
admiring awe,— here in the front of their horse, a
single warrior, before whose axe spear shivered,
helm drooped— there, close by the standard, stand-
ing breast-high among the slain, one still more
formidable, and even amidst ruin unvanquished.
The first fell at length under the mace of Roger
de Montgomery.

Still by the enchanted standard stands the
other; still the enchanted standard waves aloft,
2

1 8 STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

with its brave ensign of the solitary " Fightin
Man." gilded by the gems that had flashed in th
Crown of Odin.

"Thine be the honour of lowering that haught
flag," cried VVilham, turning to one of his favourit
and most famous knights, Robert de Tessin
Overjoyed, the knight rushed forth, to fall by th.
axe of that stubborn defender.

" Sorcery," cried Fitzosberne, "sorcery. Thi-
is no man. but fiend."

" Spare him. spare the brave." cried in a breath
Bruse. D'Aincourt. and DeGraville. William
turned round in wrath at the cry of mercy, and
spurrmg over all the corpses, he came to the foot
of the standard, and for one moment there was
smgle battle between the Knight-Duke and the
Saxon hero. \or. even then, conquered by the
Norman sword, but exhausted by a hundred
wounds, that brave chief fell, and the falchion
vamly pierced him. falling. So, last man at the
standard, died Gurth."

The sun had set. the first star was in heaven,
the "Fighting Man" was laid low. and on that
spot where now, all forlorn and shattered, amidst
stagnant water, stands the altar-stone of Battle
Abbey, rose the glittering dragon that surmounted
the consecrated banner of the Xorman victor.

Edward Bulvver. Lord Lytton.

-^^ Harold, The Last of the Saxon Kings.-

■CA"

STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

KING RICHARD AND S A LA DIN.

Note.— Richard Coeur de Lion, with P" ip of France and
other European princes went upon the third Crusade, A.D. i tQO.
It is during: a truce between the Christian forces and the famous
Sultan, Saladiii, that the following event i-. supposed to have
taken place.

" Richard now assumed the foremost place in
his troop, aware that Saladin himself was ap-
proaching. Nor was it long when, in the centre
of his body-guard, surrounded by his domestic
officers, and those hideous icgroes who guard the
eastern harem, and whos< misshapen forms are
rendered yet more frightful by the richness of their
attire, came the Soldan, with the look and man-
ners of one on whose brow nature had written,
This is a King! In his snow-white turban, vest,
and white eastern trousers, wearing a sash of
scarlet silk, Saladin might have seemed the
plainest dressed man in his own guard. But
closer inspection discerned in his turban that
inestimable gem, which was called by the poets,
" The Sea of Light," the diamond on which his
signet was engraved, and which he wore in a ring,
was probaSIy worth all the jewels of the English
crown, and a sapphire, which terminated the hilt
of his caujiar, was not of much inferior value. It
should be added that to protect him from the dust,
which, in the vicinity of the Dead Sea, resembles

STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

the finest ashes, or, pernaps, out of oriental pride
the Soldan wore a sort of veil attached to hi
turban which partly obscured the view of his nobl
features. He rode a milk-white Arabian, whicl
bore him as if conscious and proud of his nobl
burden.

There was no need of farther introduction
The two heroic monarchs, for such they both were
threw themselves at once from horseback, and th
troops halting and the music suddenly ceasing
they advanced to meet each other in profoun(
silence, and after a courteous inclination on eithe
side, they embraced as brethren and equals. Th
pomp and display upon both sides attracted n
farther notice — no one saw aught save Richan
and Salad in, and they two beheld nothing bu
each other. The Soldan was the first to brea
silence : ** The Melech Ric is welcome to Saladi
as water to this desert ! Will not my brother pas
to the tent which his servant lias prepared for him
My principal black slave hath taken order for th
reception of the Princesses, — the officers of m
household will attend your followers, and myse
will be the chamberlain of the royal Richard."

He led the way accordingly to a splendi
pavilion, where was everything that royal luxur
could devise. De Vaux, \vho was in attendance
then removed the long riding-cloak which Richar

STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

wore, and he stood before Saladin in the close
dress which showed to advantage the strength and
symmetry of his person, while it bore a strong
contrast to the Slowing robes which disguised the
thin frame of the Eastern Monarch. It was
Richard's two-handed sword that chiefly attracted
the attention of the Saracen, a broad, straight blade,
the seemingly unwieldy length of which extended
well nigh from the shoulder to the heel of the
wearer.

" Had I not," said Saladin, " seen this brand
flaming in the front of the battle, like that of
Azrael,^ I had scarce believed that human arm
could wield it. Might I request to see the Melech
Ric strike one blow with it in peace, and in pure
trial of strength ?"

"Willingly, noble Saladin, "answered Richard,
and lovoking round for something whereon to exer-
cise his strength, he saw a steel mace, held by one
of the attendants, the handle being of the same
metal, and about an inch and a half in diameter —
this he placed on a block of wood.

The anxiety cf DeVaux for his master's honour
led him to whisper in English — " For the blessed
Virgin's sake, beware what you attempt, my liege;
your full strength is not as yet returned — give no
triumph to the intidel."

^Asmel - the Ang-el of Deatli.

STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

" Peace, fool !" said Richard, standing firm o
his ground, and casting a fierce glance around-
" thinkest thou that I can fail in his presence?
The glittering broadsword, wielded by both hi
hands, rose aloft to the King's left shoulder, circle
round his head, descended with the sway of som
terrific engine, and the bar of iron rolled on th
ground in two pieces, as a woodsman would seve
a sapling with a hedgi-g-bill.

" By the head of the Prophet, a most wondei
ful blow," said the Soldan, critically and accuratel
examining the iron bar which had been cut asur
der ; and the blade of the s\vord was so wel
tempered as to exhibit not the least token of havinj
suffered by the feat it had performed. He the
took the King's hand, and looking on the size an
muscular strength which it exhibited, laughed a
he placed it beside his own, so lank and thin, s
inferior in brawn and sinew.

" Ay, look well," said DeVaux, in English, " i
will be long ere your long jackanapes fingers d
such a feat with your fine gilded reaping hoo
there."

"Silence, DeVaux," said Richard; "by oi
Lady, he understands or guesses thy meaning-
be not so broad, I pray thee."

The Soldan, indeed, presently said, — " Some
thing I would fain attempt— though, wherefor

■C ■' I'iV

STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

should the weak show their inferiority in presence
of the strong? Yet, each land hath its own exer-
cises, and this may be new to the Melech Ric." —

So saying, he took from the floor a cushion of
silk and down, and placed it upright on one end.

"Can thy weapon, my brother, sever that
cushion?" he said to King Richard."

" No, surely," replied the King ; " no sword on
earth, we ; it the Excalibur of King Arthur, can
cut that which opposes no steady resistance to the
blow."

" Mark, then," said Saladin ; and tucking up
the sleeve of his gown, showed his arm ; thin
indeed, and spare, but which constant exercise had
hardened into a mass consisting of nought but
bone, brawn and sinew. He unsheathed his
scimitar, a curved and narrow blade, which glittered
not like the swords of the Franks, but was, on the
contrary, of a dull blue colour, marked with
millions of meandering lines, which showed how
anxiously the weapon had been welded by the
armourer. Wielding this weapon, apparently so
inefficient when compared to that of Richard, the
Soldan stood resting his weight upon his left foot,
which was slightly advanced ; he balanced himself
a little, as if to steady his aim, then stepping at
once forward, drew the scimitar across the cushion,
applying the edge so dexterously, and with so

STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

little apparent effort, that the cushion seemed
rather to iall asunder than to be divided by violence.
" It is a juggler's trick," said DeVaux, darting
forward, and snatching up the portion of the
cushion which had been cut off, as if to assure
himself of the reality of the feat, — "there is gram-
arye^ in this."

The Soldan seemed to comprehend him for he
undid the sort of veil which he had hitherto v/orn,
laid it double along the edge of his sabre, extended
the weapon edgeways in the air, and drawing it
suddenly through the veil, although it hung on the
blade entirely loose, severed that also into two
parts, which floated to different sides of the tent,
equally displaying the extreme temper and sharp-
ness of the weapon, and the exquisite dexterity of
him who used it.

"Now, in good faith, my brother," said
Richard, " thou art even matchless at the trick of
the sword, and right perilous were it to meet thee !
Still, however, I put some faiih in a downright
English blow, and what we cannot do bv sleieht,
we eke out by strength."

Sir Walter Scott.

^Gra

marye — magic.

i<" '

STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

HOW KING JOHN OF FRANCE WAS

TAKEN PRISONER AT THE

BATTLE OF POITIERS.

Note — In the Battle of Poitiers, 1356, the Eng^lish defeated
the French.

The English continued the pursuit of the enemy-
even to the City of Poitiers, where there was great
slaughter, both of men and horses, for the inhabi-
tants had shut the gates and would suffer none to
enter. There was much pressing at this time,
through eagerness to take the King ; and those
who were nearest to him and knew him, cried out,
" Surrender yourself, or you are a dead man." In
that part of the field there was a young Knight
from St. Orr.er, who had been for three vears in
the serviee of the King of Eng'and. He said to
the King in good French, "Sire, Sire, surrender
yourself." The King, turning to him, asked,
" To whom shall I surrender myself? Where is
my cousin, the Prince of Wales ? If I could see
him, I would speak to him." " Sire," replied the
young Knight, " he is not here ; but surrender
yourself to me, and I will lead you to him."
"Who are you?" said the King. "Sire, I am
Denys de Morbeque, a Knight from Artois ; but
I serve the King of England, because I cannot
belong to France, having forfeited all I possessed

I '■

STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

there." The King then gave him his right-hand
glove, and said, " I surrender myself to you."

The Prince of Wales asked his two Marshals if
they knew anything about the King of France.
They replied, " No sir, nothing for a certainty,
but we believe he must be either killed or taken
prisoner." The Prince, then addressing the Earl
of Warwick and Lord Cobham, said, " I beg of
you to mount your horses and ride over the field,
so that on your return you may bring me some
certain news concerning him."

The two barons at once mounted their horses,
and made for a small hillock, that they might look
about them. They saw a crowd of men-at-arms
on foot, advancing very slowly. The King of
France was in the midst of them, and in great
danger, for the English and Gascons had taken
him from Sir Denys de Morbeque, and were dis-
puting who should have him, some bawling out,
" It is I that have got him." " No, no," cried
others, "we have him." The King, to escape
from this perilous situation, said, " I pray you,
gentlemen, to conduct me and my son, in a
courteous manner, to my cousin the Prince, and
do not make so great a riot about my capture, for
I am a great lord and I can make you all rich."
These words, and others which fell frotr. the King,
quieted them a little ; but the disputes were always

STORIES FROxM ENGLISH HISTORY.

beginning again, and the men did not move a step
without rioting.

When the two barons saw this troop of men,
they came down from the hillock, and sticking
spurs into their horses, made up to them. They
pushed through the crowd by main force, and
ordered all to draw aside. They commanded in
the name of the Prince that every one should keep
his distance, and none approach unless ordered to
do so. All then retreated behind the King, and
the two barons, dismounting, advanced to the royal
prisoner with deep reverence, and conducted him
in a peaceable manner to the Prince of Wales.

Sir Joii:-j Fkoissart.

THE COURTESY OF THE BLA CK PRINCE

TO HIS PRISONER, KING JOHN

OF FRANCE.

When evening was come, the Prince of Wales
gave a supper in his pavilion to the King of
France, and to a great many of the Princes and
Barons who were prisoners. The Prince seated
the King of France and his son, the Lord Philip,
at an elevated and well-covered table ; with them
were several great Lords. The other Knights and
Squires were placed at different tables.

STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

The Prince himself served the King's table, as
well as the others, with every mark of humility,
and would not sit down at it, in spite of all his
entreaties for him so to do, saying that he was not
worthy of such an honour, nor was it right for him
to sit at the table of so great a King, or of so
valiant a man as he had shown himself to be that
day. He added also with a noble air : " Dear
sir, do not make a poor meal because the
Almighty God has not granted you your desires in
the event of this day : for be assured that my lord
and father will show you every honour and friend-
ship in his power, and will arrange your ransom so
reasonable that you will henceforward always
remain friends. I think that you have cause to be
glad that the success of this battle did not turn out
as you desired ; for you have this day gained such
high renown for valour that you have surpassed
all the best Knights on your side. I do not, sir,
say this to flatter you ; for all those of our side
who have seen the actions of each party have
allowed this to be your due, and decree you the
prize and garland for it." At the end of this
speech there were murmurs of praise heard from
every one ; and the French said that the Prince
had spoken nobly and truly, ana that he would
be one of the most gallant princes in Christendom,
if God should grant him life to pursue his career
of glory. Sir John Froissart.

STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

THE KNIGHTS TOMB.

Where is the grave of Sir Arthur O'Kellyn ?

Where may the grave of that good man be ?
By the side of a spring, on the breast of Hclvellyn,

Under the twigs of a young birch tree !
The oak that in summer was sweet to hear,
And rustled its leaves in the fall of the year.
And whistled and roared in the winter alone,
Is gone, — and the birch in its stead is grown. —
The Knight's bones are dust,
And his good sword rust ; —
His soul is with the Saints, I trust.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

THE SURRENDER OF CALAIS, 1347.

The Siege of Calais lasted a long time, and
many noble feats of arms and adventure were done.
Several times the King of France tried to raise the
siege, but Edward had so guarded the passes that
he could not possibly get near the town. The
people of Calais all this time suffered very s^reatly
from want of food ; and when they found that there
were no hope of succour, they begged the Gov-
ernor to surrender the place upon condition that
their lives were spared. Edward at first was not
willing to promise to spare any citizen's life, but at

STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

last, the brave Sir Walter Manny persuaded him
to pardon all but six. These six were to be chosen
from the principal citizens, and they were to come
out to the King with their heads and feet b.ir,*,
with ropes round their necks, and the keys of the
town and castle in their hands.

Sir Walter Manny returned to the Governor,
the LorJde Vienne, who was waiting for him on
the battlements, and told him all that the King
had said. " I beg of you," said the Governor,
" that you will be so good as to wait here a little,
while I go and tell all that has passed to the towns-
men." He went to the marker-place and caused
the bell to be rung ; upon which all the people,
men and women, came to the Town-hall. He then
told them the answer he had received from the
King of England. This news caused the greatest
sorrow and despair, so that the hardest heart
would have had pity on them. Even the Lord
de Vienne wept bitterly.

After a short time, the most wealthy citizen of
the town, Eustace de St. Pierre, stood up and said
"Gentlemen, both high and low, it would be a
very great pity to suffer so many people to die
through famine, if any way could be found to
prevent it ; and it would be highly meritorious in
the eyes of our Saviour, if such misery could be
averted. T have such faith and trust in finding

STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

grace before God, if I die to save my townsmen,
that I name myself as first of the six." When
Eustace had done speaking, they all rose up, and
almost worshipped him ; many cast themselves at
his feet with tears and groans. Another citizen,
very rich and respected, rose up, and said he
would be the second to his companion Eustace ;
his name was John Daire. After him, James
Wisant, who was very rich in merchandise and
lands, offered himself as companion to his two
cousins ; as did Peter Wisant, his brother. Two
others then named themselves, Nvhich completed
the number demanded by the King of England.
The Lord John de Vienne then mounted his horse,
for it was with difficulty that he could walk, and
conducted them to the gate. There was the greatest
sorrow and lamentation all over the town ; and in
such manner were they attended to the gate, which
the Governor ordered to be opened, and then shut
upon him and the six citizens, whom he led to the
barriers, and said to Sir Walter Manny, who was
there waiting for him, " I deliver up to you, as
Governor of Calais, with the consent of the inhabit-
ants, these six citizens, and I swear to you that
they were and are at this day, the most wealthy
and respectable inhabitants of Calais. I beg of
you, gentle sir, that you would have the goodness
to beseech the King, that they may not be put to

STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

death." " I cannot answer for what the King will
do with them," replied wSir Walter, " but you may
depend that I will do all in my power to save
them." The barriers were opened, when these
six citizens advanced towards the pavilion of the
King, and the Lord dc Vienne re-entered the town.

When Sir Walter Manny had presented these
six citizens to the King, they fell upon their knees
and said, " Most gallant King, see before you six
citizens of Calais, who have been rich merchants,
and who bring you the keys of the castle and of
the town. We surrender ourselves to your abso-
lute will and pleasure, in order to save the
remainder of the people of Calais, who have
suffered much distress and misery. Condescend,
therefore, out of your nobleness of mind, to hav,
mercy and compassion upon us." All the Barons,
Knights and Squires, that were assembled there in
great numbers, wept at this sight. The King
eyed them with angry looks, for he hated much
the people of Calais (for the great losses he had
formerly suffered from them at sea), and ordered
their heads to be stricken off. All present entreated
the King, that he would be more merciful to them ;
but he would not listen to them. Then Sir
Walter Manny said, " Ah, gentle King, let me
beseech you to restrain your anger. People say
that you have great nobleness of soul. Do not

STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

fail to show it in this matter, nor c How anvone to
speak ill of you. In this instance, all the world
will say you have acted cruelly, if you put to death
six as worthy persons who of their own free will
have given themselves up to your mercy, in order
to save their fellow-citizens." Upon this, the
King gave a wink, saying, "Be it so," and
ordered the headsman to be sent for, for that the
people of Calais had done him so much damage, it
was proper they should suffer for it. The Queen
of England fell on her knees, and with tears said,
" Ah, gentle sir, since I have crossed the sea with
great danger to see you, I have asked you one
favour ; now, I most humbly ask as a gift, for the
sake of the Son of the Blessed Mary, and for your
love to me, that you will be merciful to these six
men." The King looked at her for some tmie in
silence, and then said, «' Ah, lady, I wish that you
had been anywhere else than here. You have
entreated in such a manner that I cannot refuse
you. I therefore give them to you to do as you
please with them."

The Queen conducted tne six citizens to her
apartments, and had the halters taken from round
their necks, after which she new-clothed them,
and served them with a splendid dinner. She then
gave each six nobles, and had them escorted out
of the camp in safety. Sir John Froissart.
3

I [

-mm

STORIES FROM EN'GLISH HISTORY.

THE BATTLE OF AGINCOURT.

Fair stood the wind for France,
When we our sails advance,
Nor now to prove our chance

Longer will tarry,
But putting to the main,
At Caux, the mouth of Seine,
With all his martial train

Landed King Harry.

And taking many a fort.
Furnished in warlike sort,
Marcheth towards Agincourt

In happy hour ;
Skirmishing day by day
With those that stopped his way,
Where the French General lay

With all his power.

Which in his height of pride
King Henry to deride,
His ransom to provide,

To the King sending.
Which he neglects the while,
As from a nation vile,
Yet with an angrj- smile

Their fall portending.

STORIKS FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

And turning to his men,
Quoth our brave Hen. - then,
" Though we be o;ic to ten

Be not amaze ' ;
Yet have we well begun,
Battles so bravely won
Have ever to the sun

By fame been raised."

" And for myself," quoth he,
"This my full rest shall be
England ne'er mourn for me,

Nor more es'.. zni me.
\lctor I will remain.
Or on this earth lie slain.
Never shall she sustain

Loss to redeem me.

Poitiers and Cressy tell

When most their pride did swell.

Under our swords they fell.

No less our skill is,
Then when our grandsire great,
Claiming the regal seat
By many a warlike feat

Lopped the French lilies."

The Duke of York so dread.
The eager vanward led ;

ttl

36 STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

With the main Henry sped,

Amongst his henchmen.
Exeter had the rear,
A braver man not there :
Heavens ! how hot they were
On the false Frenchmen.

They now to fight are gone,
Armour on armour shone.
Drum now to drum did groan,

To hear was wonder ;
That with the cries they make.
The very earth did shake ;
Trumpet to trumpet spake.

Thunder to thunder.

Well it thine age became.
Oh noble Erpingham,
Which did the signal aim

To our hid forces.
When from a meadow by,
Like a storm suddenly,
The English archery

Struck the French horses.

With Spanish yew so strong,
Arrows a cloth-yard long,
That like to serpents stung,

Piercing the weather ;
None from his fellow starts,

ST0RIP:S FROII ENGLISH HISTORY.

3>1

But playing manly parts,
And like true English hearts
Stuck close together.

When down their bows they threw,
And forth their bilbos drew,
And on the French they flew,

Not one was tardy ;
Arms were from shoulders sent.
Scalps to the teeth were rent,
Down the French peasants went, —

Our men were hardy.

This while our noble King ;
His broad sword brandishing,
Down the French host did ding,

As to o'erwhelm it ;
And many a deep wound lent,
His arms with blood besprent,
And many a cruel dent

BruisM his helmet.

Gloucester, that duke so good
Next of the royal blood,
For famous England stood

With his brave brother,
Clarence, in steel so bright.
Though but a maiden knight,
Yet in that famous fight,

Scarce such another.

•I

l il

iff

38 STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

Warwick in blood did wade,
Oxford the foe invade,
And cruel slaughter made.

Still as they ran up :
Suffolk his axe did ply,
Beaumont and Willoughby
Bore them right doughtily,

Ferrers and Fanhope.

Upon Saint Crispin's day
Was fought this noble fray,
Which fame did not delay

To England to carry ;
Oh, when shall English men
With such acts fill a pen.
Or England breed again

Such a King Harry?

Michael Drayton, i 563-1631.

NorE. — The Battle of Agincourt was fought on St. Crispin's
Day, Oct. 25th, 1415, when the English under their King, Henry
v., totally defeated a much larger French .\rmy.

The fifth stanza of this ballad was quoted with fine effect in
reference to Baden-Powell, just after the relief of Ladysmith, by
the London ^' Stvciator,"

STORIES FROM LNGLISH HKTORt.

THE RESTORATION OF
CLIFFORD.

LORD

Note. — The strugjjle between the Houses of York and
Lancaster for the Eng-lish throne lasted from 1455 to 1485. The
emblem of the Yorkists was a white rose, that of the Lancas-
trians was a red rose. Hence, this strife was called the Wars of
the Roses.

The following lines are part of a poem celebrating the return
of He:iry, Lord Clifford, to his home. Brougham Castle. His
father was on the Lancastrian side, and after the Battle of
Wakefield, slew the son of the Duke of York, and was himself
killed at Towton, 1461. Henry was deprived of his estates and
lived as a shepherd until Henry \l\. came to the throne and
restored his possessions to him.

From town to town, from tower to tower,

The Red Rose is a gladsome flower.

Her thirty years of winter past.

The Red Rose is revived at last.

She lifts her head for endless spring.

For everlasting blossoming ;

Both Roses flourish. Red and White*

In love and sisterly delight

The two that were at strife are blended,

And all old troubles now are ended.

Joy, joy to both ; but most to her

Who is the flower of Lancaster !

^Henry VH. was descended from John of Gaunt, Duke o»'
Lancaster, and by his marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of
Edward IV. who was also Duke of York, the rival houses were
united.

STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

Behold her how she smiles to-day
On this great throng, this bright array.
Fair gree'ing doth she send to all
From every corner of the hall.
But cliiefly from above the board
Where sits in state our rightful Lord,
A Clifford to his own rescored !

They came with banner, spear and shidd ;
And it was proved in Bosworth field, ^
Not long the Avenger was withstood —
Earth helped him with the cry of blood ;
St. George^ was for us, and the might
Of blessed angels crowned the right.
Loud voice the land has uttered forth
The loudest in the faithful North.
Our fields rejoice, our mountains ring.
Our streams proclaim a welcoming ;
Our strong abodes and castles see.
The glory of their loy Ity.

William Wordsworth.

» The Battle of Bosworth Field was foug-ht in 1485. There
Henry VII., then Earl of Richmond, " the Avenger," defeated
and killed Richard III., the last Yorkist King.

■■'St. George, the patron Snint of England.

STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

THE ARMADA.

Attend, all ye who list to hear our noble England's

praise ;
I tell of the thrice-famous deeds she wrougfht in

ancient days,
When that great fleet invincible against her bore

in vain.
The richest spoils of Mexico, the stoutest hearts of

Spain.

It was about the lovely close of a warm summer's

day,
There came a gallant merchant-ship full sail to

Plymouth Bay ;
Her crew had seen Castile's black fleet, beyond

Aurigny's isle,^
At earliest twilight, on the waves lie heaving many

a mile,
At sunrise she escaped their van, by God's especial

grace,
And the tall Pinta till the noon had held her close

in chase.

Forthwith a guard at every gun was placed along

the wall ;
The beacon blazed upon the roof of Edgecumbe's

lofty hall !

^ Aider ney.

42 STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

Many a light fishing bark put out to pry along the

coast,
And with loose rein and bloody spur rode inland

many a post.

With his white hair unbonneted, the stout old

Sheriff comes ;
Behind him march the halberdiers ; before him

sound the drums ;
His yeomen round the market cross make clear an

ample space,
For there behoves him to set up the Standard of

Her Grace.

And haughtily the trumpets peal, and gaily dance

the bells,
As slow upon the labouring breeze the royal

blaeon swells.
Look how the Lion of the sea lifts up his ancient

crown,
And underneath his deadly paw treads the gay

lilies down.

So stalked he when he turned to flight, on that
famed Picard field,*

Bohemia's plume, and Genoa's bow, and Cassar's
eagle shield.

^Tha Battle of Crecy, in Picardy, 1346. The King' of
Bohemia, his son the King of the Roma is, and a body of
Genoese bowmen fought on the side of France.

STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

So glared he when at Agincourt in wrath he turn-
ed to bay,

And crushed and torn, beneath his paws, the
princely hunters lay.

Ho, strike the flagstaff deep, Sir Knight ! Ho,

scatter flowers, fair maids !
Ho, gunners, fire a loud salute ! Ho, gallants,

draw your blades.
Thou sun, shine on her joyously, ye breezes, waft

her wide.
Our glorious Semper Eadem,* the banner of our

pride.

The freshening breeze of eve unfurled that banner's

massy fold !
The parting gleam of sunshine kissed that haughty

scroll of gold ;
Night sank upon the dusky beaeh, and on the

purple sea,
Such night in England ne'er had been, nor e'er

again shall be.

From Eddystone to Berwick bounds, from Lynn

to Milford Bay,
That time of slumber was as bright and busy as

the day ;

1 Semper Eadem. " Always the same.'

^gJ^J

44 STORIES FROM KNGLISH HISTORY.

For swift to east and swift to west the ghastly war-
flame spread,

High on St. Michael's Mount it shone ; it shone
on Beachy Head.

Far on the deep the Spaniard saw, along each
southern shire.

Cape beyond cape, in endless range, those twink-
ling points of fire.

The fisher left his skiff to rock on Tamar's glitter-
ing waves.

The rugged miner poured to war from Mendip's
sunless caves ;

O'er Lougleat's towers, o'er Cranbourne's oaks,
the fiery herald flew :

He roused the shepherds ofSionehenge.the rangers
of Beaulieu.

Right sharp and quick the bells all night rang out
from Bristol town.

And ere the day three hundred horse had met on
Clifton down.

The sentinel on Whitehall gate looked forth into

the night.
And saw o'erhanging Richmond Hill the streak of

blood-red light ;
Then bugle's note and cannon's roar the death-like

silence broke,

STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

An.i with one start, and with one cry, the royal
city woke.

At once on all her stately gates arose the answer-
ing fires ;

At once the wik' alarum clashed from all her reel-
ing spires.

From all the batteries of the Tower pealed loud

the voice of fear ;
And all the thousand masts of Thai es sent forth a

louder cheer ;
And from the farthest wards was heard the rush of

hurrying feet.
And the broad streams of pikes and flags rushed

down each roaring street.
And broader still became the blaze and louder still

the din.
As fast from every village round the horse came

spurring in.

And eastward straight from wild Blackheath the

warlike errand went,
And roused in many an ancient hall the gallant

Squires of Kent.
Southward from Surrey's pleasant hills flew those

bright couriers forth ;
High on bleak Hampstead's swarthy moor they

started for the north ;

STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

And on and on, without a pause, untired they

bounded still ;
All night from tower to tower they sprang ; they

sprang from hill to hill.

Till the proud Peak unfurled the flag o'er Darwin's

rocky dales,
Till like volcanoes flared to heaven the stormy

hills of Wales,
Till twelve fair counties saw the blaze on Malvern's

lonely height,
Till streamed in crimson on the wind the Wrckin's

crest of light.
Till broad and fierce the star came forth on Ely's

stately fane.
And tower and hamlet rose in arms o'er all the

boundless plain.

Till Belvoir's lordly terraces the sign to Lincoln

sent,
And Lincoln sped the message on o'er the wide

vale of Trent ;
Till Skiddaw saw the fire that burned on Gaunt's

embattled pile,
And the red glare on Skiddaw roused the

burghers of Carlisle.

Loud Macaulav.

STOKIKS FROM KNCLISH HISTORY.

THE BLA CK PRINCE A T THE BA TTLE

OF CRECY.

Archbishop of Canterbury. —

Go, my dread lord, to your jrreat-grandsires''

tomb,
From whom you claim ; invoke his warlike spirit.
And your great-uncle's, Kdward the Black Prince,
Who on the French ground played a tragedy.
Making defeat on the full power of France,
Whilst his most mighty father on a hill
Stood smiling to behold his lion's whelp
Forage in blood of French nobility.
O noble English, that could entertain
With half their forces the full pride of France,
And let another half stand laughing by,
All out of work and cold for action.

The French King. —

Think we King Harry strong ;
And, Princes, look you strongly arm to meet him.
The kindred of him hath been fleshed upon us ;
And he is bred out of that bloody strain
That haunted us in our familiar paths ;

1 Edward III., father of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster,
who was the grandfather of Henry V,

STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.

Witness our too much memorable shame

When Cressy battle fatally was struck,

And all our princes captived by the hand

Of that black name, Edward, Black Prince of

Wales.
Whiles that his mountain sire, on mountain

standing-,
Up in the air, crowned with the golden sun,
Saw his victorious seed, and smiled to see him
Mangle the work of nature, and deface
The patterns that by God and by French fathers
Had twenty years been made. This is a stem
Of that victorious stock ; and let us fear
The native mightiness and fate of him.

"From Henry F." William Shakspere.

ENGLAND'S STRENGTH.

This England never did, nor never shall.
Lie at the proud foot of a conqueror,
But when it first did help to wound itself.
Now these her princes are come home again.
Come the three corners of the world in arms.
And we shall shock them. Nought shall make us

rue
If England to herself do rest but true.

William Shakspere.